Garry L. Hanson Obituary
Garry Lawrence Hanson passed away peacefully on Palm Sunday, April 2, 2023, at Angels Grace Hospice in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin at the age of 70 years old. Garry was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on May 11, 1952. He was baptized and confirmed at Apostles of Christ Lutheran Church in Milwaukee. He graduated from West Division High School in 1970. He was a high school athlete who played football and wrestled. He was an avid Packer fan and enjoyed watching football. Garry never stopped talking about his three grandsons, he enjoyed spending time with them and attending their music or sports events.
Garry's work career started at McDonalds during high school where he worked his way up to crew chief. It was at McDonalds where Garry wanted to start a wrestling program and he recruited several work team members to compete against other area McDonalds stores. He also started a wrestling program at St. Johns and coached Andrew. After high school, he worked at Kearney and Trecker as a machinist helper while learning the trade. Garry was a hard worker and picked up another part time job working for the Wisconsin State Fair. He worked for the State Fair for over 50 years. With the closing of Kearney and Trecker in 1991, Garry landed a job at Bucyrus Erie/Caterpillar as a machinist where he worked until his retirement. Garry loved community service. He volunteered for the Town of Lisbon Fire Department as a fire fighter/EMT for over 15 years. Garry was dedicated to his family and absolutely loved his wife, Dawn, who he married on August 5, 1978. He became a member of St. Johns Evangelical Lutheran Church shortly after. He was enormously proud of his son Andrew and his accomplishments.
Garry is survived by his loving wife Dawn; son Andrew (Hazel); grandchildren William, Dylan, and Robert; brothers Ron (Marcy) Hanson, John (Edwin Santiago) Hanson and Gorden (Cindy) Hanson; nieces Hillary (John) King, Felicia (Josefph) Nace, and Ellen (Frank) Rajkowski; nephews Mathew (Rachel) Hanson, Joshua Hanson, and Corey Giloy; and other relatives and friends. Garry is preceded in death by his parents, John L and June Hanson.
Garry was one who knew how to make friends and had close ties to many with his long work career and family ties. Known for his good sense of humor, he enjoyed practical jokes and laughter. He was a strong man with a huge heart and was always willing to lend a hand. An avid car guy, he enjoyed time tinkering with his 1976 Corvette. His other hobbies included hunting, electric trains, sheepshead, entertaining his friends and family, and singing Willie Nelson tunes. He will be deeply missed by his dog, Augie.
Garry's passing left a huge hole in the hearts of many and will be greatly missed.
Visitation from 1 PM until the time of the funeral service at 3 PM on Saturday, April 8, 2023, at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 7809 Harwood Avenue, Wauwatosa, WI 53213 with Rev. Joel Leyrer officiating. Private interment will take place in Highland Memorial Park.
The family would like to thank the staff at Froedtert Menomonee Falls and Angels Grace in Oconomowoc for sending Garry on his final journey with such dignity and peace.
In Lieu of flowers, the family requests that remembrances be made to St. Johns Evangelical Lutheran Church.
